Simulation Analysis of Solar Thermal Water Heating System for Climate of Lahore

Abstract

Growing population, economic and energy crises quest for alternative ways to achieve the daily energy requirements in household and commercial sectors. Solar energy is the first choice due to its accessibility, abundance and environmentally friendly nature. The use of solar thermal collectors is increasing over time due to the green aspects of solar thermal energy. In this study, a dynamic method based on Transient Systems Simulation Program (TRNSYS) modeling examines the performance of solar thermal-based domestic hot water (DHW) system for Lahore (31.5204° N, 74.3587° E), Pakistan. This dynamic approach allowed us to monitor system performance daily and yearly. The simulation is performed with a flat plate solar collector of an area of 10 m2and a tank of 0.6 m3 volume. To achieve the daily DHW consumption profile of an average dwelling in Lahore, an auxiliary electric heater is employed to manage the hot water needs at night and on overcast days. The average solar fraction of 80% is obtained for the whole year. The system fulfills hot water requirements during the winter season with the assistance of solar energy equipped with auxiliary heating. Maximum values of auxiliary energy were observed in January (1347 J/hr) and December (1248 J/hr), with lower values of solar fraction during winter.